Justine Henin-Hardenne completed the perfect Australian Open preparation with victory in the final of the Sydney International.

The Belgian star overcame the loss of the first set, deficits in the second and third sets and a rain delay to beat Italian Francesca Schiavone 4-6 7-5 7-5 at Olympic Park.

The win extends Henin-Hardenne's winning streak on Australian hard courts to 15 matches.

The former world number one will be bidding for a fifth grand slam crown at next week's Australian Open.

She won the trophy in 2004 but a knee injury denied her the chance to defend her title last season.